Review of American Constellation

Launched in 2017, MS American Constellation cruise ship is the first of American Cruise Lines fleet's "Modern Riverboat" series - with sistership American Constitution (2018). Similarly designed (modified class) ships with slightly bigger capacity (195 passengers) are the fleetmates American Song (2018), American Harmony (2019) and 3 more (still unnamed) vessels.

History - construction & ownership

American Cruise Lines (ACL) is a small cruise line with headquarters in Guilford, Connecticut, operational since 1991. American Constellation is the latest river cruise ship from ACL. She is uniquely designed in order to navigate the inland waterways of US East Coast and brings travelers to exciting locations that cannot be accessed by larger ships. In the intimate atmosphere offered onboard, passengers find the largest cabins in industry, spacious lounges, observation decks, private balconies that offer splendid views of passing landscapes.

The new coastal river boat set sail in April 2017. The "American Constellation" name was inspired by the numerous American ships named "Constellation" which have honored the United States. The original US Naval sailing frigate of 1797, USS Constellation, and the newest ship of American Cruise Lines were both built in Maryland shipyards. American Constellation left for her first cruise from Constellation Pier, next to where retired USS Constellation is currently docked.

Cruise itinerary program

American Constellation itinerary program includes two new American Cruise Lines itineraries - one from USA to New England, and the other along southeast USA's Intracoastal Waterway.

Cabins

American Constellation has 6 passenger decks (accessible via one elevator) and a total of 85 staterooms. The number of cabin categories is 9. Most of the accommodations are Balcony rooms, with floor-ceiling sliding doors leading to a private step-out veranda. There are no connecting rooms onboard.

Dining options - Food & Drinks

The American Constellation has a single-capacity, open-seating dining room. This is the main restaurant onboard featuring floor-ceiling windows, crystal chandeliers, classy furniture, 4- and 8-seat tables and luxury dining amenities. Most of the cuisine is American fare. The menu boasts itinerary-inspired gourmet specialties and fresh food. Breakfast is buffet-style, with made-to-order items. Lunch offers soup, choice of 3 dishes, chef’s salad. Dinner offers soup, salad and 3 entrees. The wine list has a selection of domestic wines. Any dietary needs are catered for.

Entertainment options - Fun & Sport

The ocean capable American Constellation ship with full active wing stabilization, features capacity for 163 guests. ACL Constellation caters to the discriminating eye of vacationers looking for intimate high-end experience of a smaller vessel. Well-appointed rooms are the largest ever seen in service, with room service and tastefully furnished private balconies. Additional features include kayaks and Zodiacs that offer guests alternative ways to explore historic American destinations.

American Constellation wiki

The ship has a modern propulsion system consisting of 2x azymuth thrusters ("Z-drives") manufactured by Veth (Holland). These 360-degree rotating propellers (1x forward, 1x aft) provide the boat with greater maneuverability and berthing flexibility.

The ship is powered by 2x Caterpillar marine engines running on low-sulfur diesel. These modern engines require less fuel and produce less emissions (COx, NOx, SOx) and soot particles in comparison to other boats on the US river cruising market.